Tuesday training notes

Tuesday training notes

D.C. United continued their final preparations for Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday

TIGHTENING SHIP

With just days left before the opener, every competitive advantage counts. To that end, United head coach Ben Olsen closed the final half-hour of Tuesday's training session as the Black-and-Red worked on set pieces.

"Last year we weren't good enough on set pieces, both for and against," Olsen said after practice. "We wanted that to be a focus this preseason and making sure that we don't give up silly goals on free kicks."

Offensively, D.C. has plenty of options on dead balls. Between Dwayne De Rosario's right foot and Branko Boskovic's left, anything within shooting range will be a serious threat. From further out, Andy Najar is a proven option to provide a well-driven service.

Earlier this preseason, Olsen admitted that defensive set pieces have been an achilles heel for D.C. In their latest contest, a 3-1 win over Charleston in the Carolina Challenge Cup, United's defense allowed multiple free headers off free kicks.

CRUZ UPDATE

What was at first thought to be a major injury has turned into little more than a speed bump for outside midfielder Danny Cruz. A victim of a brutal challenge in Wednesday's game against Charleston, Cruz has already returned to action, participating fully in Tuesday's practice.

Though he admits to some swelling left in the injured ankle, Cruz said Tuesday that he is ready for opening night against Kansas City. Ben Olsen called the midfielder "durable" and noted that Cruz's relentless style has left him accustomed to playing through pain.

"He's right, it comes with the way that I play," Cruz agreed. "I expect it every game. If you look at the amount of times that I get fouled, it's a lot compared to my minutes. I'm getting hit a lot, so I'm used to getting hit."

Over the weekend, the Black-and-Red released trialist Jose Burciaga. The move clears space for another trialist, as the club welcomed midfielder Lewis Neal on trial from USL side Orlando City. Neal's addition leaves three players in camp without a contract. Lance Rozeboom has impressed throughout the preseason but remains unsigned. Beyond that, Ryan Richter and Neal are likely competing for the one roster spot Olsen says he has left to fill.

Prior to his arrival stateside, the Leicester, England native enjoyed a decade-long career in England's lower leagues. The 30-year-old has played for Stoke City, Preston North End, Notts County, Carlisle United and most recently Shrewsbury Town.